Myaesthenia gravis

Question 1

Types

Answer 1

• congenital
• acquired

Question 2

Congenital MG
- prevalence
- diagnosis

Answer 2

• rare, but occurs in puppies
• difficult to diagnose

Question 3

Acquired MG
- aetiology
- diagnosis
- tx / prognosis

Answer 3

• often autoimmune syndrome with antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, so definitive diagnosis with blood test
• can be associated with intrathoracic space occupying mass (e.g. thymoma) so need chest rads
• can be associated with megaoesophagus, may be demonstrable on conscious thoracic rads
• may respond to tx with anticholinesterase tx, but requires careful dosing
• may resolve spontaneously